Croatia

PRAYER POINTS

VIDEO

• Pray for lasting reconciliation among Bosnians, Serbs, and Croats after centuries-long rivalries and hatred towards one another.

• Pray for the body of Christ to unite across denominational lines to impact a traumatized society.

• Pray for spiritual breakthroughs among a large population of drug addicts who are in desperate need of hope.

SUMMARY

Shaped like a boomerang, the Republic of Croatia is a gateway to Eastern Europe. Bordered by Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, and Slovenia, it lies along the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea. Most of the land is used for farming, and one-third of it is forested. Croatia is known for the 1,185 islands along its Adriatic coast, sixty-seven of which are inhabited. It boasts a unique natural scenery with a gorgeous coastline, majestic mountains, picturesque lakes, and even rolling farmlands. Its rich history, architecture, scenery, and hospitable people make it a popular tourist destination.

This land was once part of the Austro-Hungarian empire. Then in 1918 the Croats, Serbs, and Slovenes formed a kingdom that would eventually be known as Yugoslavia - a federal independent communist state. Though Croatia declared its independence in 1991, it suffered four years of devastating conflict before being free of all Serbian occupation. The effects of communism as part of Yugoslavia and the years of war that followed destroyed the economy. The state still holds much economic control, and privatization has been slow. Tourism, which has been very profitable, has helped revive the nation. Membership in NATO (2009) and the European Union (2013) motivated change and increased more foreign investment. Recently, the economy also experienced growth and the rate of unemployment has improved.

Though about 92% of Croats claim Christianity, most are Catholic (88%), and only 15% regularly attend mass. The country supports freedom of religion, but there is a not a distinct separation between the state and the Catholic church. Ethnicity and religion are often seen as inseparable, creating a massive barrier for the spread of the Gospel. Yet Evangelicals are one of the few who bridge the ethnic divide, with Bosnians, Croats, and Serbs worshiping side by side. Though the Evangelical church only represents about .4% of the population, it is growing, with churches spreading throughout the nation. Yet there remain quite a few areas with very little Evangelical presence. Though the psychological and emotional scars of past wars and traumas remain, the door is open for the message of peace, reconciliation, and hope that only Jesus can bring.